Target: Arsenal and Fulham will battle it out for Villa’s Matthew Lowton (Picture Getty Images)

Fulham have joined Premier League rivals Arsenal in the hunt for Aston Villa’s highly-rated defender Matthew Lowton.

The 23-year-old has had an impressive campaign for Paul Lambert’s Villa side but should the Midlanders lose their top flight status, they currently stand just three points off the drop zone ahead of Monday night’s clash with fellow strugglers Sunderland, Lowton could well be tempted to move on.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is a big fan of the versatile former Sheffield United full-back and would expect to have to spend in the region of £5million to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.

Fulham boss Martin Jol has joined the race to sign Lowton (Picture: PA)

Wenger sees Lowton as an idea replacement for Paris Saint-Germain target, French international Bacary Sagna, whose future in north London remains uncertain.

Fulham are said to be at an advanced stage in their quest to land the youngster leaving the Gunners at a disadvantage, although the Gunners interest in Lowton could be scuppered by his lack of experience.